Cartridge for the generation of hydrogen

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge includes a case, an igniter, and a structural component. The case defines an interior cavity and the igniter is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is also positioned within the cavity and is formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material. An oxidizing agent is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the generation of hydrogen andspecifically to a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrogen can be used as a source of energy in many hydrogen-consumingsystems such as fuel cells, internal combustion engines, and portablepower equipment and tools. Devices that consume hydrogen for energy mustbe connected to a source for hydrogen such as those that directlyutilize hydrogen in either liquid or gaseous form and those that utilizehydrogen in chemical compounds such as water. Some of the systems thatstore such chemically bonded hydrogen utilize a cartridge for containingthe water along with other components. When hydrogen is stored inchemical compounds such as water, it must be converted to consumablehydrogen by a reaction prior to use as hydrogen.

One conventional process for releasing bonded hydrogen from water iselectrolysis. During electrolysis, an electrical differential is appliedto water at a cathode and an anode, and an advantage of this system isthat a low voltage of electricity can be used. Another reaction torelease hydrogen from water is that of aluminum and water to generatealuminum oxide and hydrogen gas. This reaction can be self sustaining,but it requires high temperatures to generate substantial hydrogenproduction. One way to do this is by heating aluminum and water that arein close proximity with thermite, but most conventional systems forigniting the thermite require a high voltage differential.

Therefore, one problem with such cartridges is that high voltages arerequired to initiate the reaction. Another problem with cartridgesconfigured to generate hydrogen through the reaction of a metal with anoxidizing agent is that the reaction can proceed prematurely because ofcontact between the reactants. Another problem is that structureutilized to form the cartridge and to contain the reactants remains aswaste after the cartridge is used. Another problem is that the cost ofconventional cartridges is too high to allow for economical one-timeuse, i.e. conventional cartridges are not expendable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cartridge for the rapid generation ofhydrogen very rapidly in response to demand, at high pressures, and athigh temperatures. The cartridge includes consumable structuralcomponents such that solid waste remaining after discharge of acartridge is minimized. In addition, the cartridge of the presentinvention is configured for use in a system that provides hydrogen at agenerally constant pressure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge includes acase, an igniter, and a structural component. The case defines aninterior cavity and the igniter is positioned within the cavity. Thestructural component is also positioned within the cavity and is formedof a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes ametallic material. An oxidizing agent is positioned within the cavity.The structural component is configured such that the metallic materialand the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after theigniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from thestructural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallicmaterial and the oxidizing agent.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the structuralcomponent that is configured to generally maintain the position of theigniter relative to the case.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the structuralcomponent is also configured to define a plurality of chambers withinthe cavity and the oxidizing agent is positioned within the plurality ofchambers.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the matrix includesnitrocellulose.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the case is alsoformed of the particulate embedded in the matrix.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the igniter includesthermite.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the oxidizing agent iswater.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the water isgelatinized.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the metallic materialincludes aluminum.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical elementis positioned within the igniter and is electrically connected with anexterior surface of the case.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the igniter isconfigured to ignite when a voltage is applied to the electrical elementand the igniter is configured to generate sufficient heat such that at aleast a portion of the matrix is removed from the structural componentthereby exposing sufficient metallic material to the oxidizing agent ata sufficiently high temperature to initiate a chemical reaction betweenthe oxidizing agent and the metallic material thereby generatinghydrogen.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the case includes ametallic cap that is electrically connected to the electrical elementsuch that the cap forms part of an electrical circuit when the voltageis applied to the electrical element.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the cap is configuredto rupture such that an opening is defined through the cap for therelease of hydrogen therethrough and such that the ruptured cap isretained in contact with the case.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a cartridge that includes a case, an igniter, and an insert.The case defines an interior cavity. The igniter is configured to ignitewhen an electrical element embedded therein is exposed to an electricalvoltage differential. The insert is configured to define a plurality ofchambers within the cavity and the insert includes aluminum particlesthat are embedded in a nitrocellulose matrix. An oxidizing agentincluding chemically bonded hydrogen is positioned within each chamber.The igniter is configured to initiate a reaction between the aluminumparticles and the oxidizing agent that generates hydrogen.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the pressure withinthe cavity increases such that a portion of the case ruptures andhydrogen is discharged from the cavity.

According to one aspect of the present invention, substantially allmaterial created by the reaction other than hydrogen remain associatedwith the case.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a device for the generation of hydrogen. The device includes acase and a spacer. The case that defines a cavity, and the spacer ispositioned within the cavity and defines multiple chambers within thecavity. The spacer includes a metal and a binding agent. An oxidizingagent is positioned within the chambers. The spacer is configured suchthat there is substantially no reaction between the metal and theoxidizing agent until an ignition composition is ignited and the bindingagent is consumed such that the metal and the oxidizing agent areexposed to each other.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is aluminum,the oxidizing agent is water, the ignition composition is thermite, andthe binding agent is nitrocellulose.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the case is formed ofthe aluminum embedded in nitrocellulose.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the total amount ofaluminum contained in the spacer and the case is roughly instoichiometric proportions with the water.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the metallic insert isconfigured to position the first reactant and the second reactant suchthat they are sufficiently near the igniter such that the rapid reactionof the first reactant and the second reactant can be initiated by theigniter.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the binder forms acoating on a solid metal spacer.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the metallic insertincludes aluminum powder in a nitrocellulose matrix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of the cartridge of FIG. 1 taken alongline 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a partially-cutaway, expanded view of the cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of a discharge assembly;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of a firing chamber showing an unspentcartridge; and

FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of a firing chamber showing a spentcartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cartridge for therapid generation of hydrogen from a first reactant that containshydrogen and a second reactant that contains metal. The reaction can beinitiated by a low electrical voltage and consumes at least some of thestructure required to position the reactants such that they aresufficiently close to each other and to an igniter for the rapidreaction to be initiated by the igniter.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, a cartridge 10 for generating hydrogen includes a case 20configured to receive a cap 50, an ignition assembly 70, and a spacer100. The cartridge 10 is configured to be received in a reactionassembly 200 and discharged therein to generate hydrogen.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3; cartridge 10 includes a generallycup-shaped case 20 having a closed end 22. A circumferential groove 28is defined around case 20 at closed end 22 and groove 28 is spaced-awayfrom an outer surface 29 of closed end 22. Closed end 22 is shaped suchthat outer surface 29 defines a recess 31. Closed end 22 also defines aninner surface 23.

Case 20 includes a wall 24 that extends away from closed end 22 towardan open end 26 and defining an inner surface 34. Surface 34 and surface23 define a cup-shaped cavity 66. A first passageway 32 is definedthrough the closed end 22 of case 20 such that it extends from recess 31to inner surface 23 thereby connecting outer surface 29 with cup-shapedcavity 66. A shoulder 38 that extends from an outer surface 39 of wall24 to a land area 42 is defined by wall 24. Additionally, a lip 43 isformed by wall 24 at open end 26 of case 20. When positioned in a firingchamber 250 as shown in FIG. 4, wall 24 of case 20 is configured todeform such that a low pressure seal is formed at a predeterminedpressure within cavity 66 as will be discussed further below regardingcap 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, case 20 is formed of a thermoplasticmaterial. By way of example and not limitation, case 20 can be formed ofone of the following: nitrocellulose, cellulose, metal, metallicmaterial, thermoplastic, or a combination thereof. By way of example andnot limitation, the thermoplastic can include polycarbonate(commercially known by various trade names including Lexan®),polyoxymethylene (commercially known by various trade names includingDelrin®), polymethyl methacrylate (commercially known by various tradenames including Plexiglas®), and a combination thereof.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3; cap 50 includes a generallycircular wall 52 that defines an inner surface 54 and an outer surface56. Cap 50 is positioned across the open end 26 of cup-shaped case 20such that cavity 66 is enclosed. A flange 58 is positioned around thecircumference of wall 52 of cap 50 and extends away from inner surface54 of wall 52. Flange 58 has a circumferential recess 62 formed thereinthat is configured to engage lip 43 of case 20, and thus be retained onopen end 26 of case 20. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a plurality of grooves64 are formed on the outer surface 54 of cap 50. In the illustratedembodiment, grooves 64 are positioned to form a cross-shaped pattern,but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, grooves 64 canhave other configurations.

Grooves 64 of cap 50 are dimensioned to fail at a predetermined rupturepressure. The rupture pressure is less than a peak, i.e. maximum,pressure generated within cavity 66 by the reaction of the metallicfirst reactant and the oxidizing second reactant in cartridge 10 infiring chamber 250. Thus cap 50 is configured as a burst disk such thatcap 50 is configured to preferentially rupture to form an opening 51 inwall 52 as shown in FIG. 6. Opening 51 is configured to fluidly connectcavity 66 with a region outside of cartridge 10.

Preferably, the rupture pressure is between about 500 psi and about15,000 psi; more preferably, the rupture pressure is between about 3,000psi and about 13,000 psi; and even more preferably, the rupture pressureis between about 9,000 psi and about 11,000 psi. As shown in FIG. 6, aleast one petal 65 is formed when cap 50 ruptures along grooves 64.Preferably, petal 65 remains attached to flange 58 and flange 58 remainsengaged with case 20. In this manner, the components of cap 50 thatremain after discharge of cartridge 10 are retained on case 20 and canbe recycled or disposed of along with case 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, cap 50 is formed of a metal. By way ofexample and not limitation, cap 50 can include at least one of thefollowing: stainless steel, brass, nitrocellulose, a fiber reinforcedresin, electrically conductive elements, and a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, spacer 100 is positioned within cavity 66. In theillustrated embodiment, spacer 100 is generally longitudinal and has aplurality of ribs 103 that are distributed radially around a centralcore 104. A passageway 108 is formed through core 104 of spacer 100.Each rib 103 extends toward inner surface 34 of wall 24 such that aplurality of chambers 106 are defined by ribs 103, inner surface 34 ofwall 24 and closed end 22, and the base surface 73 of primary ignitionblock 72. The plurality of chambers 106 are radially disposed and areconfigured to receive an oxidizing agent such as water 107.Alternatively, spacer 100 can be configured as cylinder that defines acentral chamber or a cylinder that defines a first central chamber and asecond annular chamber. In further alternatives, wall 24 includesradially disposed ribs that extend into cavity 66 and there is no spacer100. In this embodiment, path P is formed along one of the radiallydisposed ribs.

In the illustrated embodiment, spacer 100 includes a metallicparticulate 101 that is embedded in a matrix 102 as can be seen in FIG.5. Metallic particulate 101 includes the metal first reactant. Matrix102 is formed of a binding agent and is configured to be substantiallyimpermeable to the oxidizing second reactant such the metallicparticulate 101, and thus the metal first reactant, is substantiallyisolated from the water 107. In addition, matrix 102 is consumableduring the rapid reaction of the metal first reactant and the oxidizingsecond reactant as discussed further below. As used herein, the term“consumable” refers to the quality of changing form or reacting suchthat the metallic particulate 101, and thus the metal first reactant, issubstantially no longer isolated from water 107.

In this regard, matrix 102 is configured to limit unintended reactionsbetween water 107 and metallic particulate 101 such that no additionalbarrier between the metallic portion of spacer 100 and water 107 isrequired. Thus manufacture of cartridge 10 relative to conventionalsystems is simplified in that no separate container is required forwater 107. The metallic particulate 101 of spacer 100 can include as thefirst metal reactant metals such as aluminum, magnesium, iron, sodium,potassium, titanium, and combinations thereof. In the illustratedembodiment, metallic particulate 101 includes aluminum and it isbelieved that aluminum having any purity is suitable for use as thereactive metal, and therefore, any alloy of aluminum is suitable for useas a metallic insert of the present invention. By way of example and notlimitation, in alternative embodiments spacer 100 can include one of thefollowing metallic materials: a woven metal mesh, a metal wool, discretemetal pellets, and a combination thereof. In these alternativeembodiments, the metallic material is coated with the binding agent.

The matrix 102 is a material that can function to bind metallicparticulate 101 together. Other desirable characteristics of the matrixare: it is soluble and when solvated can be mixed with particulate 101,it can be easily dried or cured to form the desired component ofcartridge 10, and it is consumable during a rapid reaction between themetal first reactant and the oxidizing second reactant. In theillustrated embodiment, the matrix includes nitrocellulose. By way ofexample and not limitation, the matrix can include one of the following:nitrocellulose, dextrin, guar gum, gum Arabic, shellac, syntheticorganic polymers, other organic materials, and a combination thereof. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the percentage of metallic particulate 101relative to the combined weight of metal particulate 101 and matrix 102in spacer 100 is preferably between about 80% and about 99.9%; morepreferably between about 88% and 98%; and most preferably between about92% and 96%. It should be appreciated that structures other than spacer100 disclosed herein that are formed of metallic particulate 101embedded in matrix 102 have substantially similar compositions to thatof spacer 100.

It should be appreciated that the water can be pure or can containvarious contaminates such as salts, metals, minerals, etc. The water canbe a liquid or substantially solidified by combination with agelatinizing agent. By way of example and not limitation, the oxidizingagent can include water, hydrogen peroxide or other oxidizing compoundhaving hydrogen contained therein. The ratio of the metallic firstreactant, for example, aluminum; and the oxidizing agent, for example,water 107; is generally equal to the stoichiometric ratio of theoxidizing reaction between the two components. Therefore, when themetallic first reactant is aluminum and the oxidizing second reactant iswater, the stoichiometric ratio is about one to one, and aluminum andwater are contained in cartridge 10 in a ratio of about one to one.Referring to metal particles 101, they are provided such that thereactive metal contained therein is in an appropriate ratio. Forexample, if metal particles 101 are essentially pure aluminum, the massof metallic particles 101 contained within the cartridge 10 is generallyequal to the mass of water 107 in cartridge 10. Likewise, if metallicparticles 101 include fifty percent by weight of nonreactivecontaminants, then the mass of metallic particles 101 contained withincartridge 10 is generally two times the mass of water 107 in cartridge10.

Spacer 100 is configured to position ignition assembly 70 within cavity66 such that assembly 70 is near cap 50 and in this regard, spacer 100is a structural component. In alternative embodiments wall 24 of case 20includes tabs or ribs that are configured to position ignition assembly70 within cavity 66. Spacer 100 is configured to extend within cavity 66from closed end 22 to assembly 70. Such that one end of spacer 100 isnear surface 23 and another end of spacer 100 is near surface 73. Itshould be appreciated that while spacer 100 is configured tomechanically separate assembly 70 from closed end 22, in someembodiments spacer 100 is movable relatively one or both of assembly 70and closed end 22, and in addition, might not be in direct contact withone or both of assembly 70 and closed end 22.

Ignition assembly 70 is configured as an igniter and includes a primaryignition block 72 having a recess 74 formed therein. As used herein, theterm “igniter” refers to a structure configured to generate sufficienttemperature to initiate, i.e. ignite, a reaction between reactants. Apassageway 78 is defined from recess 74 through a base portion ofprimary ignition block 72 to a base surface 73 defined by the baseportion of primary ignition block 72. Recess 74 is dimensioned toreceive a pre-ignition block 76. In the illustrated embodiment, bothprimary ignition block 72 and pre-ignition block 76 are generallycylindrical.

Primary ignition block 72 includes thermite. As used herein, the term“thermite” refers to a composition that includes a metal oxide that actsas an oxidizing agent and a metal to be oxidized by the oxidizing agent.By way of example and not limitation, the metal oxide can be black orblue iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), red iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃),manganese oxide(MnO₂), Chromium (III) oxide Cr₂O₃, cuprous oxide (Cu₂O), cupric oxide,(copper (II) oxide, CuO), other metal oxide, or a combination thereof.The metal to be oxidized can be aluminum or other reactive metal.

In one embodiment, the metal oxide is iron oxide (Fe₃O₄). Preferably,the thermite is formed together with a binding agent into a desiredshape and the binding agent is a nitrocellulose lacquer. In this regard,the particles of thermite are retained within a matrix ofnitrocellulose. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, theprimary ignition block 72 is formed of thermite that is configured toretain its shape without a binder, i.e. compressed or solid thermite. Ina further alternate embodiment, the thermite can be in the form ofparticles that are retained in a container or wrapping (not shown) thatis configured to support and shape primary ignition block 72.

Pre-ignition block 76 is formed of a pre-ignition compound that includespotassium perchlorate, magnesium, and aluminum. Pre-ignition block 76includes an element 82. Element 82 is configured to electrically connectcap 50 with a region adjacent one end of passageway 78 of primaryignition block 72. It should be appreciated that element 82 can be anyelectrical element configured to generate heat when exposed to anelectrical differential. In one embodiment element 82 is a bridge wire.As used herein, the term “bridge wire” refers to a relatively thinresistance wire used to ignite a pyrotechnic composition.

Pre-ignition block 76 is formed by a molding process in which thepre-ignition compound is formed of particles that are mixed with abinding agent and molded to a desired shape. The binding agent can be alacquer such as nitrocellulose lacquer and in such an embodiment,pre-ignition block 76 is formed of particles of the pre-ignitioncompound embedded in a matrix of nitrocellulose. In the illustratedembodiment, the mixture of binding agent and pre-ignition compound ismolded around element 82 such that element 82 is also embedded in thematrix of nitrocellulose. It should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, pre-ignition block 76 can include solid or particulatecomponents and can be positioned within a container or wrapping (notshown) that is configured to support and shape pre-ignition block 76.Further, element 82 can be positioned around pre-ignition block 76 orthrough a passageway formed therein after initial shaping of thepre-ignition block is complete.

Pre-ignition block 76 is configured to ignite when element 82 is exposedto an electrical voltage differential that is preferably between about 1volts and about 100 volts, more preferably between about 5 volts andabout 30 volts, and even more preferably between about 10 volts andabout 15 volts, and most preferably about 12 volts.

Pre-ignition block 76 is configured to generate a temperature uponignition that is sufficient to ignite primary ignition block 72. Primaryignition block 72 is configured to generate a temperature after ignitionthat is sufficient to initiate an oxidation reaction between the metalfirst reactant, and the oxidizing second reactant. In other embodiments,the ignition of composition 72 is sufficient to initiate a similaroxidation reaction that generates hydrogen. Primary ignition block 72 isconfigured to generate a temperature that is preferably between about2,500 degrees Fahrenheit and about 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit, morepreferably between about 3,250 degrees Fahrenheit and about 5,000degrees Fahrenheit, and even more preferably between about 3,500 degreesFahrenheit and about 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Ignition assembly 70 isconfigured to initiate a reaction between spacer 100 and water as willbe discussed further below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, passageway 32 of closed end 22, passageway108 of spacer 100, and passageway 78 of primary ignition block 72, arealigned to form a continuous primary passageway that connects outersurface 29 of closed end 22 with element 82. The primary passageway isconfigured to receive a conductor 112 that is configured to electricallycontact element 82 at an end 116 such that element 82 is electricallyconnected with a button 114. Conductor 112 is also configured to beelectrically insulated from other components of cartridge 10. By way ofexample and not limitation, conductor 112 includes one of the following:a solid metal wire, stranded metal wire, aluminum, silver, other metal,carbon, other conductive non-metal, and a combination thereof. In oneembodiment conductor 112 is an insulated metallic wire. Button 114 isconfigured to provide a surface for electrical contact that ispositioned exterior of cartridge 10, and button 114 is configured to bereceived in axial recess 31 of closed end 22. By way of example and notlimitation, button 114 includes one of the following: aluminum, silver,other metal, carbon, other conductive non-metal, and a combinationthereof.

In this manner, an electrically conductive path P is formed that extendsfrom outer surface 29 of closed end 22 to outer surface 56 of cap 50.Path P is configured to conduct an electric current such that thepre-ignition block 76 can be ignited as will be discussed below withregard to the operation of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4, cartridge 10 is configured to be received by areaction assembly 200 and activated therein. Reaction assembly 200includes a hydrogen containment vessel 204, a magazine 240, a loadingdevice 241 and a firing chamber 250. Containment vessel 204 has a wall205 that defines a cavity 206. A pressure sensor 208 is fluidlyconnected through wall 205 to cavity 206. In the illustrated embodiment,pressure sensor 208 is configured to generate a signal indicative of thepressure within cavity 206 and includes an operator interface.

A discharge tube 214 defines a passageway that fluidly connects cavity206 with a device or region outside of reaction assembly 200. A controlvalve 212 positioned in discharge tube 214 and is configured to controlthe flow of fluid through discharge tube 214. In one embodiment, controlvalve 212 is a pressure regulator valve that is configured to maintain apredetermined pressure within cavity 206. A valve 216 is positioned onwall 205 and is configured to vent cavity 206 to the region outside ofvessel 204 at a predetermined pressure, i.e., valve 216 is configured asa pressure relief valve.

A flow control mechanism 251 is positioned between firing chamber 250and vessel 204. Mechanism 251 is configured to provide for the dischargeof gas from firing chamber 250 into cavity 206. Mechanism 251 is alsoconfigured to prevent flow of gas from cavity 206 into firing chamber250. Flow control mechanism 251 is electrically connected to controller290 and is configured to be actuated by controller 290.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, magazine 240 is configured to supply aplurality of cartridges 10 to firing chamber 250 via a loading device241. Loading device 241 is positioned between magazine 240 and firingchamber 250 and is configured to convey a cartridge 10 from magazine 240to firing chamber 250. In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 240 isdetachable from the remainder of firing assembly 200. It should beappreciated that a plurality of magazines 240 are interchangeable suchthat subsequent magazines 240 can replace an initial magazine 240 and inthis manner a supply of cartridges 10 can be provided to firing assembly200 and more specifically to firing chamber 250.

Firing chamber 250 is best seen in FIG. 5 and includes a breech block253 and a generally tubular chamber wall 252. Breech block 253 definesinterior tabs 256 that are configured to engage circumferential groove28 of cartridge 10. Breech block 253 is configured to be openable suchthat cartridge 10 can be received therein.

Breech block 253 of firing chamber 250 is generally cup-shaped andincludes a back wall 254. Generally tubular sidewall 252 that extendsaway from breech block 253 toward an open end 255. Sidewall 252 andbreech block 253 define a bore 257 that is configured to receive acartridge 10. Wall 252 defines a shoulder 259 that separates a throat261 from bore 257. Throat 261 has a diameter near shoulder 259 that issmaller than the diameter of bore 257. In one embodiment, throat 261 isgenerally cylindrical. Firing chamber 250 is positioned such that openend 255 is adjacent flow control mechanism 251 such that gases can bedirected through throat 261 into flow control mechanism 251.

Breech block 253 is configured to provide for the conveyance ofcartridge 10 from loading device 241 into bore 257 of firing chamber250. When cartridge 10 has been loaded into bore 257, tabs 256 engagecircumferential groove 28 of cartridge 10 such that cartridge 10 issecurely positioned within firing chamber 250. As can be seen in FIG. 6,firing chamber 250 is positioned such that solid residue and waste 67generated during a discharge of cartridge 10 is retained within bore257, and in the illustrated embodiment, cavity 66 of cartridge 10. Inthis regard, firing chamber 250 is oriented such that open end 255 ispositioned above back wall 254, and more specifically, firing chamber250 is oriented substantially vertically such that open end 255 isgenerally over back wall 254. It should be appreciated thatalternatively, discharge system 200 can be configured such that firingchamber 250 is in motion during a discharge of cartridge 10 and thatsuch motion creates a force directed toward back wall 254 such thatsolids are retained within cavity 66. In such an embodiment cartridge 10can be operated generally without regard to the strength and directionof gravitational forces.

In the illustrated embodiment, breech block 253 includes a contact 258that is positioned centrally relative to back wall 254 and iselectrically isolated from firing chamber 250. Contact 258 is configuredto electrically engage button 114 of cartridge 10 when cartridge 10 ispositioned within bore 257. Contact 258 is electrically connected tocontroller 290 such that contact 258 can form part of an electricalcircuit that includes electrical path P of cartridge 10.

In this regard, breech block 253 and tubular sidewalls 252 are formed ofan electrically conductive material. When a cartridge 10 is positionedwithin bore 257 and breech block 253 is in the closed position,electrically conductive button 114 of cartridge 10 is electricallyconnected to contact 258 and cap 50 of cartridge 10 is in electricalcontact with tubular sidewalls 252 of firing chamber 250. In thismanner, an electrical circuit is formed that electrically connectstubular side wall 252 and breech block 252 via electrical path Pdescribed above.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, after a cartridge 10 is discharged aspent cartridge 10′ remains. Some components of spent cartridge 10′ areanalogous to components of cartridge 10 and will be designated byidentical reference numbers and the prime symbol. In this regard, spentcartridge 10′ includes a case 20′, a button 114′, a cavity 66′, and acap 50′. These components of spent cartridge 10′ can be generallyunderstood from the foregoing descriptions of the correspondingcomponents of cartridge 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, controller 290 is configured to controlthe electrical connection between contact 258 and a voltage source (notshown). In this manner, controller 290 is configured to control thedischarge of cartridge 10. As used herein, the term “discharge” refersto the reaction of the contents of cartridge 10 to form hydrogen suchthat hydrogen passes through opening 51. Further, loading device 241,contact 258 of firing chamber 250, pressure sensor 208 and valve 212 areelectrically connected to a controller 290. Controller 290 is configuredto activate loading device 241, firing chamber 250, and valve 212 basedupon predetermined parameters or instructions input by an operator. Inone embodiment, controller 290 is an electronic computer that includes astorage device and a data input device.

In another alternate embodiment, a mechanical firing device such as apercussion cap (not shown) is utilized to ignite the pre-ignition block76 instead of element 82.

In an alternative embodiment, case 20 is formed of a metallicparticulate 101 embedded in a matrix 102 as described with regard tospacer 100 above. In this embodiment, the total amount of a reactivemetal in the cartridge 10 is in stoichiometric proportions to the totalamount of water 107 as it is in the illustrated embodiment. Thereforespacer 100 would contain less aluminum in this embodiment than in theillustrated embodiment wherein the mass of aluminum contained in spacer100 is generally equal to the mass of water 107.

It should be appreciated that nitrocellulose is consumed by thereaction. Therefore structures formed from nitrocellulose and the metalfirst reactant in various embodiments, such as spacer 100 or case 20,are consumed by the reaction between aluminum and water to generatehydrogen. It is believed that consumption of the matrix generates arelative small amount of waste in either a solid or a gas.

The present invention can be better understood in light of the followingdescription of the operation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment,cartridge 10 is configured to generate hydrogen by the reaction ofspacer 100 with water contained within cavity 106. According to a methodprovided by the present invention, a cartridge 10 is positioned withinfiring chamber 250. A voltage is applied by controller 290 to contact258 such that an electrical current flows from button 114, alongconductor 112, through element 82, through cap 50, through sidewalls252, and to the electrical ground. The current is sufficient to ignitepre-ignition block 76 and thus assembly 70 such that spacer 100 and thewater in the cavities 106 are raised to a temperature sufficient toinitiate an oxidation reaction between the spacer 100 and water 107.

The principle products of this reaction are hydrogen gas and a metallicoxide. Pressures generated within cavity 66 are sufficient to rupturecap 50 and form opening 51. It is believed that a substantial portion ofsolid reaction products such as metal oxide and other solids generatedby the discharge of cartridge 10 remain within cavity 66 or attached tocase 20. Hydrogen gas passes from cavity 66 through opening 51 and flowcontrol mechanism 251 into cavity 206 of containment vessel 204. Thequantity of hydrogen gas and temperature of the hydrogen gas dischargedfrom cartridge 10 determines the pressure within cavity 206. Valve 212,shown in FIG. 4, operates to provide for the discharge of hydrogen gasfrom cavity 206. Additional cartridges 10 can be discharged to generateadditional hydrogen gas such that the pressure with cavity 206 ismaintained at a predetermined level. In this manner cavity 206 acts as areservoir configured to provide a continuous supply of hydrogen gas to adevice configured to consume the hydrogen. It is believed that operationof the present invention can provide a source of high pressure hydrogen.

In all embodiments, spacer 10 is configured such that sufficientquantities of metallic particulate 101 and oxidizing agent, such aswater 107, are positioned such a rapid reaction between metallicparticulate 101 and the oxidizing agent can be initiated by assembly 70.Once the rapid hydrogen generating reaction has begun, it is believedthat it will continue until one or both reactants are consumed. In thisregard, it is believed that the reaction will continue untilsubstantially all of the metallic particulate 101 and that allcomponents of cartridge 10 that were formed of the reactive metal willbe consumed during the rapid generation of hydrogen.

The present invention applies generally to cartridges for the formationof hydrogen. More specifically, a reusable or expendable cartridge isprovided for the on-demand and nearly instantaneous generation ofhydrogen at high temperatures and at high pressures. While the presentinvention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat modifications can be made and the Invention can be practicedin_other environments without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, set forth in the accompanying claims.

1. A cartridge for the generation of hydrogen, the cartridge comprising:a case that defines an interior cavity; an igniter positioned within thecavity; a structural component positioned within the cavity, thestructural component being formed of a particulate embedded in a matrixand the particulate includes a metallic material; an oxidizing agentpositioned within the cavity; and wherein the structural component isconfigured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent reacttogether to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficientheat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiatethe reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent.
 2. Acartridge according to claim 1, wherein the structural component isconfigured to generally maintain the position of the igniter relative tothe case.
 3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the structuralcomponent is also configured to define a plurality of chambers withinthe cavity and the oxidizing agent is positioned within the plurality ofchambers.
 4. A cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the matrixincludes nitrocellulose.
 5. A cartridge according to claim 4, whereinthe case is also formed of the particulate embedded in the matrix.
 6. Acartridge according to claim 4, wherein the igniter includes thermite.7. A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the oxidizing agent iswater.
 8. A cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the water isgelatinized.
 9. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the metallicmaterial includes aluminum.
 10. A cartridge according to claim 9,wherein an electrical element is positioned within the igniter and iselectrically connected with an exterior surface of the case.
 11. Acartridge according to claim 10, wherein the igniter is configured toignite when a voltage is applied to the electrical element and theigniter is configured to generate sufficient heat such that at a least aportion of the matrix is removed from the structural component therebyexposing sufficient metallic material to the oxidizing agent at asufficiently high temperature to initiate a chemical reaction betweenthe oxidizing agent and the metallic material thereby generatinghydrogen.
 12. A cartridge according to claim 11 wherein the caseincludes a metallic cap that is electrically connected to the electricalelement such that the cap forms part of an electrical circuit when thevoltage is applied to the electrical element.
 13. A cartridge accordingto claim 12, wherein the cap is configured to rupture such that anopening is defined through the cap for the release of hydrogentherethrough and such that the ruptured cap is retained in contact withthe case.
 14. A cartridge for the generation of hydrogen, the cartridgecomprising: a case that defines an interior cavity; an igniter that isconfigured to ignite when an electrical element embedded therein isexposed to an electrical voltage differential; an insert configured todefine a plurality of chambers within the cavity and the insert includesaluminum particles that are embedded in a nitrocellulose matrix; anoxidizing agent including chemically bonded hydrogen and positionedwithin each chamber; and wherein the igniter is configured to initiate areaction between the aluminum particles and the oxidizing agent thatgenerates hydrogen.
 15. A cartridge for the generation of hydrogenaccording to claim 14, wherein pressure within the cavity increases suchthat a portion of the case ruptures and hydrogen is discharged from thecavity.
 16. A cartridge for the generation of hydrogen according toclaim 15, wherein substantially all material created by the reactionother than hydrogen remain associated with the case.
 17. A device forgenerating hydrogen, the device comprising: a case that defines acavity; a spacer positioned within the cavity and defining multiplechambers within the cavity, the spacer including a metal and a bindingagent; an oxidizing agent positioned within the chambers; wherein thespacer is configured such that there is substantially no reactionbetween the metal and the oxidizing agent until an ignition compositionis ignited and the binding agent is consumed such that the metal and theoxidizing agent are exposed to each other.
 18. A device according toclaim 17, wherein the metal is aluminum, the oxidizing agent is water,the ignition composition is thermite, and the binding agent isnitrocellulose.
 19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the case isformed of the aluminum embedded in nitrocellulose.
 20. A deviceaccording to claim 19, wherein the total amount of aluminum contained inthe spacer and the case is roughly in stoichiometric proportions withthe water.